Microchip, Acacia Communications tout OTN processor, coherent transmission module interoperability for FlexE at up to 600 Gbps
Microchip Technology Inc.(NASDAQ:MCHP), through its wholly owned subsidiary, Microsemi Corp., and Acacia Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:ACIA) say they have demonstrated interoperability between the former’s DIGI-G5 Optical Transport Network (OTN) processor and the latter’s AC1200 Coherent Module. The companies say they can now enable optical transport systems designers to support flexible-rate architectures that enable migration through coherent 200-, 400-, and 600-Gbps OTN networks as they adopt Flexible Ethernet (FlexE) and OTUCn.
Developed by the OIF, FlexE promises significant flexibility and transmission efficiency, with OTN network capacity improved by as much as 70%, the company’s say. Systems designers are expected to bring FlexE enabled line cards to market this year (see “FlexE Rollout to Begin in 2019 across Cloud and Telecom Service Providers Networks”).
Microchip/Microsemi and Acacia say they are positioned to enable this rollout.
“DIGI-G5 allows our optical transport system partners to deliver terabit-class OTN switching line cards at 50% less power per port while enabling flexible rate ports and protocols up to 600G,” said Babak Samimi, vice president for Microchip’s Communications business unit. “Demonstrating interworking of the DIGI-G5 with Acacia’s AC1200 coherent module highlights that the ecosystem is ready to support the market transition to these new protocols, rates, and multi-terabit architectures.”
“In addition to high capacity and density, our AC1200 module introduces several key features designed to enable network operators to optimize capacity, reach, and spectral efficiency — making flexible transmission solutions up to 600G a reality,” said Benny Mikkelsen, CTO at Acacia. “With Microchip’s DIGI-G5 scaling up capacity and reducing power at the same time, and the optical performance provided by our AC1200, we believe that Acacia and Microchip are helping to enable the market to scale network capacity with improved efficiency.”
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Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director and Associate Publisher
Stephen Hardy has covered fiber optics for more than 15 years, and communications and technology for more than 30 years. He is responsible for establishing and executing Lightwave's editorial strategy across its digital magazine, website, newsletters, research and other information products. He has won multiple awards for his writing.
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